Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership and Organizational Development

Program Information

The doctor of philosophy with an emphasis in educational administration/educational leadership and organizational development encompasses five specialties: P-12 administration, post-secondary administration, sport administration, human resource development, and evaluation.

Distinctive Characteristics of Doctoral Programs in the College of Education and Human Development

I. Social Justice and Equity

Aligned with our mission, our students would build experience and expertise in the issues of social justice and equity. This theme would align with our metropolitan mission and that of student achievement.

II. Leadership

This area could be assisted by the Future Faculty/Future Leaders program. Leadership is a distinct focus in other programs in the College of Education and Human Development and the doctoral program should be no exception. In this component students would gain expertise in supervising and leading others to achieve organizational goals and missions, managing complex systems, addressing administrative issues and procedures, conducting research to enhance leadership and teaching others about the art of organizational leadership.

III. Practical Experience

The doctoral programs in the College of Education and Human Development will also contain practicums, internships, or embedded field experience that aligns both with their program studies and their career goals. These experiences are to be mentored and may include a number of the following areas: teaching, research, administration or other appropriate arenas.

IV. Scholarship/Research

The emphasis on scholarship would include experience and mentorship in ethics, publications, presentation, grantsmanship, and other forms of creative activity. The research component will be characterized by the development of vertical research teams; Senior faculty, junior faculty, doctoral students, masters’ students, and in some programs, undergraduate students, working together on research projects and research areas. These might be bolstered by partnerships with local school districts, businesses, or community agencies.

The doctoral degree is granted in recognition of scholarly proficiency and distinctive achievement in a specific field/discipline. All candidates for a doctoral degree in the College of Education and Human Developement must successfully complete qualifying exams and a dissertation/professional portfolio that clearly indicates the candidate has mastered and can exhibit/articulate the content knowledge, skills and dispositions specific to their discipline and can utilize appropriate research methodologies to contribute to the body of knowledge in their field.

Curriculum

60 Credit Hour Program

Master’s Degree prerequisite + 60 credit hours minimum: The Student and Committee must develop courses, programs and experiences that clearly identify and address the specific themes of Leadership, Scholarship, Social Justice and Equity. These areas of emphasis must have descriptive competencies that the student should attain and the Committee can assess.

90 Credit Hour Program

The Student and Committee must develop courses, programs and experiences that clearly identify and address the specific themes of Leadership, Scholarship, Social Justice and Equity. These areas of emphasis must have descriptive competencies that the student should attain and the Committee can assess.